Mainline Decline, Liberation Theology & the Gospel

Rev. Samuel said that God commanded the devotion of ancient Israelites as “the Divine Agent of their liberation,” having freed them “economic and political exploitation” in Egypt. Christians should thus feel empowered to live their “best life today” by drawing on God’s salvific work.

Liberation theology gained momentum last century as a liberal alternative to growing Evangelicalism, but without much widespread success. Its themes rooted in neo-Marxist identity politics failed to resonate beyond liberal elites, and liberation theology reached the apex of its limited popularity half a century ago.

Appeal - Mainline - Protestant - Clergy - Liberation

Despite its marginal popular appeal, some Mainline Protestant clergy still push liberation theology today. Look no further than the ultra-progressive and perennially shrinking United Church of Christ (UCC). Rev. Kenneth L. Samuel – identified as “Pastor of Victory” at the World Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia – authored a devotion entitled “Lord of Liberation” on behalf of the...